Woodlake California in Tulare County

Woodlake in Tulare County has less than 3 square miles and some 8,000 or so residents in the San Joaquin Valley recognized as California's Central Valley farm belt. Orchards dot the landscape where citrus and olives grow exceeding well in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Locals are spoiled by their location a short drive from Sequoia National Park and even closer sports recreation with an abundance of lakes and rivers. Bravo Lake, Lake Kaweah, Kaweah and St. John's Rivers create a wonderland for birding and outdoor activities.

Soaking in nature, you'll find this small city is mighty pretty and well worth a road stop on your way to the Sequoia National Park.

When you visit, expect sunshine summers giving way to fog-shrouded days sometimes during the winter months. What attracts visitors nearly as much as their road stops on en route to the mountains is the Woodlake Lions Rodeo (woodlakelionsrodeo.com) held in May each year. It is nationally recognized, attracting top athletes in rodeo sports.

Take time to stop, visit and explore the city named after the lakes and woodlands that played a prominent part in the formation of this small but mighty town.